‘Just not national team level' - Landon Donovan says Josh Sargent lacks quality, backs Folarin Balogun for USMNT striker

U.S. icon Landon Donovan delivered a pointed critique of Josh Sargent, questioning his fit as a USMNT striker. The Norwich City forward struggled again in the loss to South Korea before being replaced, prompting Donovan to note he’s had “a number of games” with inadequate performances.

“Look he [Balogun] is, I think he's better,” Donovan said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. "[Balogun] needs to be on the field, and I think Pochettino knows that now."

Donovan made the stark declaration that some players simply aren't at "national team level," suggesting Sargent falls into this category.

“Josh Sargent, I think it's like 17 games now for the U.S., he's gone without scoring, there's just something," Donovan said. "He scores every time he touches the ball for Norwich; it’s crazy. And so, I like him. There are just some guys, they're just not national team level all the time, or maybe they are in friendlies and CONCACAF Gold Cup [matches]. But you know, it's there are levels to these things, right?”

Sargent's difficulties with the national team represent a concerning pattern despite his solid club performances with Norwich City. The 24-year-old has scored just five goals in 29 appearances for the USMNT since his debut, and his current goal drought extends to 2019 with the national team. 

Following their friendly against Japan on Sept. 9, the U.S. will resume action in October against Ecuador and Australia.